■ Here Comes the Crown! Comical Performance Show by Mariko Iwasa

Clown, physical comedian. From 2012 to 2017, she toured the U.S. and Mexico as a clown with the American circus Ringling Brothers. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Since then, she has freelanced with New York-based circus entertainment companies such as Bindlestiff Family circus, Parallel Exit, and MUSE (ABCirque), as well as performing at libraries and children’s museums. In recent years, she has collaborated with orchestras as a clown for their family concerts throughout Japan. She is currently a hospital clown visiting children’s wards in hospitals throughout the New York City area and is a regular performer on the Improv show BATSU. In the summer, she will perform in Bindlestiff Family circus’s street circus Flatbed Follies. Instagram @onlythismarikoiwasa717

■ Children’s taiko performance and mini-workshop by The Biwanko Group

The Biwanko Group, a children’s Japanese taiko drumming group active since 2007, is now in its 17th year. Last year, for the first time in 12 years, we performed at the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, continuing our activities despite the pandemic. Typically, our performances and workshops are held at local events and public venues such as libraries, offering opportunities to experience taiko drums. Originally, taiko was performed during festivals at shrines and temples. However, it has now evolved into a performance that conveys the sound of Japanese percussion. While modest, we are delighted if the sound of our children’s taiko drums contributes to U.S.-Japan cultural exchange.

At the family event, three children from Biwanko, along with the professional Yoko Nakahashi, perform traditional songs from the Suwa Taiko tradition. There will also be a workshop for children to experience taiko drumming at the end, so please join us.

■ Connecting with Hands and Songs – A Moment of Music for Parents and Children by Satoshi Kanazawa & Naoko Nakagawa

金澤 恵之　作曲家
東京藝術大学作曲科卒業。2006年より音楽活動の拠点をニューヨークに移す。２００７年文化庁新進芸術家海外留学制度研修員。NYFAフェローシップ、New York City Artists Corps Grants、Queens Arts Fundの助成アーティストに選出されるほか、Lin Yao Ji国際作曲コンクール第1位、弘前桜の園作曲コンクール第1位、奏楽堂日本歌曲コンクール中田喜直賞など受賞歴多数。「作曲における社会性と地域性」をテーマにした創作活動とともに、芸術集団「THE BRICKS NYC」の発足メンバーとして音楽・美術の合同展開催や義援金支援活動などに注力。また、ニューヨーク市内とウェストチェスター群にて「アリオーソ音楽教室」を主宰し、幅広い年齢層を対象としたピアノ指導を行っている。

中川 直子　ソプラノ歌手
東京藝術大学声楽科ソプラノ専攻卒業。2006年に渡米。以来、日本と米国を音楽活動の拠点としている。2009年、オペラカンパニー「the Little Opera Theatre of New York」の定期公演にて、唯一の日本人歌手として出演、ニューヨークデビューを飾る。ソリストとしては2024年にマンハッタンにてソロリサイタルを開催するほか、コロンビア大学の招聘にて日本歌曲を題材にしたレクチャーコンサートを実施。近年では「DEMON SLAYER (鬼滅の刃) in Concert」にヴォーカリストとして出演、6月には台湾公演を控えている。また、演奏活動とあわせて、リトミック認定資格保持者として幼児のリトミック教育にあたるほか、声楽・合唱指導、ならびに声発声法、呼吸法などの指導に力を注いでいる。

■ Let’s dance HipHop with Yuka-sensei! by Yuka Ogawa

Jump to the music, spin around, and move your body freely!
Hip-hop is a fun and expressive street-style dance that anyone can enjoy. Join the cheerful and friendly Yuka-sensei for a lively mini workshop filled with energy and smiles!

Originally from Fukushima City, Japan, Yuka Ogawa began studying jazz and hip-hop dance at the age of nine. She later moved to the United States and completed professional training programs at Broadway Dance Center and Peridance Center in New York City. She further refined her skills through a professional development program led by Luam Keflezgy, a renowned Alicia Keys and Beyoncé choreographer. Yuka also gained teaching experience as a class assistant to acclaimed instructors Michelle Barber and Chio. As a performer, her credits include an appearance in Carrie Underwood’s music video “See You Again”, a featured dancer at the International Emmy Kids Awards ceremony, and backup dancer for artists such as Kylee and YOYOMI, highlighting her versatility across various stages and genres. She currently teaches hip-hop at iKada Dance Center.

■ Water Yo-Yo fishing by Amnet (Sponsor)

Amnet, a travel agency, is your one-stop shop for all your travel needs, whether you are returning to Japan temporarily, traveling in the U.S. or abroad for business, bringing your family and friends over from Japan, or traveling while in the U.S. We offer 24-hour Japanese language support, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

★For inquiries, please contact: Yuki Nakai (yuki.nakai@amnet-usa.com)

■ Let’s Roll Sushi! by The Nippon Club Sushi Chefs: Akira Suzuki & Hiromi Suzuki

■ ”Amezaiku” (Candy Sculptures) by Candy5

In 1994, Candy5 received technical training in the art of candy crafting (called “Amezaiku” ) from Mr. Takeo Kimura. She is the first female candy artisan in the 300-year history of Japanese candy crafting. Invited by Disney World in Orlando, Florida, she performed candy entertainment shows at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot Center for 17 years from 1996 to November 2013. She has been based in NY since 2017 and is available to perform at corporate events such as F1, Yankees, Nissan, Grand Seiko, etc. as well as weddings and birthday parties. For those interested, please check out her instagram!(https://www.instagram.com/candy5nyc)

■ Face Painting by Rie Nishimura

Artist based in New York. Graduated from Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to her artistic activities, she teaches art to children at a Japanese Sunday school and online.

■ Let’s Fold Origami Together! by Yoko Essel & Nao Yamada

Artʼ s Instructor / Photographer. Born in Osaka, Japan and a graduate of Osaka Ohtani University with a Master’s degree in Japanese Literature and Japanese Language, She worked as a studio manager for Robert Esser Photography for 18 years and is a fine art/commercial photographer. In addition, she teaches “Craft Social” classes at the Hamilton Senior Center in New York City, teaching origami and other crafts.

■ Saori Goda

Actress/Voice Actor. After playing in a theater company in Japan, she moved to the U.S. in 2009. Won three awards including Best Actress for her lead role in the movie “My Daughter Yoshiko”. She also appeared in “Cocktail Party,” a film adaptation of an Akutagawa Award-winning novel, and NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Love Yourself,” NTV’s “Waratte Koraete,” TBS’ “Sunday Japon.” Last year she appeared off-Broadway in “Chushingura”(The Treasury of Loyal Retainers) and has also worked as an anchor for NHK Cosmomedia’s “TV Japan Club”, hosted the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival, and worked as a narrator and voice actor.

For inquiries: info@nipponclub.org